Meet The District Nurse, Debbie Glazer

Safety Week in Bloomfield Hills Schools highlights the vital work of district nurse Debbie Glazer, who focuses on student health, safety, and staff training, collaborating with administration and local emergency services to promote wellness and support throughout the district. An alum of Pine Lake Elementary, West Hills Middle and Andover High schools, Glazer was inspired by community health and education which led her to pursue a nursing degree at the University of Michigan. 

While working as a public health nurse for Oakland County Health Division in 2020, Glazer supported BHS during the pandemic. Oakland County provided this service to keep our schools safe. Following this work, the district made the decision to keep the role, making health and safety a priority. “The nursing piece of safety focuses on the ‘what-if’: supporting mental health, student and staff health conditions, responding to injuries and so many other situations in the school setting,” explained Glazer.

The role of district nurse changed significantly since its inception, but the premise is the same: keep students safe by educating and empowering staff. Glazer conducts CPR/AED and first aid training, student specific health condition management education, provides professional development training, identifies and creates incident care teams, and consults with administration and care providers about specific health concerns and plans. Glazer also enhances the excellent relationship BHS has with the police and fire departments by working closely with them to deliver training, community classes and support. 

Lora Boka, director of special education, explained how Glazer and the district nurse role benefits the district, “The nurse position plays an essential role in supporting students with specific health needs and provides health education and resources, promoting overall wellness among students and increasing confidence in our staff supporting them. Debbie stands out in her role as our school nurse here at Bloomfield Hills Schools. Debbie’s combination of skills and attributes not only enhances the health services in our schools but also contributes to our shared goal of Dare to CARE here in Bloomfield Hills Schools.”